Shannon Expresses Sympathies at Passing of Jim McBriar

Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, has expressed his sincere sympathies at the passing of former Mayor and Alderman of Ards Borough Council, Jim McBriar.

Mr Shannon said: “I served in Ards Council along with Jim McBriar for twenty-six years. He served thirty-eight years in total and his contribution was significant and vital.

“Jim and I hit it off right away as we shared an interest in planning matters, and we worked together on many issues and helped to solve the problems for our constituents. In Ards Borough Council we fought the battles and helped form the strategies that directed where the council was going.

“Outside of council, Jim and I were great friends, and in the shooting season Jim had a taste for pheasant, duck and woodcock, He had great taste and I supplied him with the results of my shooting many times. He served as mayor on rwo occasions and was given the freedom of the Borough which was a very momentous occasion and was recognition for all the time and effort he had put into the Borough he loved so very much.

“To his wife Jenny and children and family circle we sorrow with you at Jim’s passing. He was a man who loved helping the people and a dear friend to us all. We grieve at his death and thank him for all that he did to help so many in his life.”